The Nature of Things

               As you lie awake at three in the morning, what do you think about? I’m thinking about the nature of Man. More precisely, I’m trying to find out how to present the nature of Man in a way that is inoffensive to those who cling to the notion that nurture plays a dominant role in the formation who we are as individuals. The true “nature of the beast” can be unpalatable to many people.

               Sci-Fi fans may recall the story of a man having a very difficult identity crisis. He is told by the respected leader of a group of mutants: “You are what you do.”This was a popular belief of the time and remains so among those who believe that Man is born a clean slate. This theory allows us to hold to the concept that we are basically good; though sometimes misguided. Further, it holds out the hope that, given the right conditions, our basic goodness will prevail. Nurture is the half full glass. Given time and proper guidance we will fill our glass to overflowing. So the theory goes anyway.

               As the father of an adopted child, I can tell you nothing is further from the truth. Nurture is, at its ultimate best, a moderating influence. It is powerless to supplant the seed of nature anymore than living with a family of redheads will change the color of one’s black hair to red. I am Adam. I am made of the same material and carry the same traits in my flesh. We are family. That is not a biblical myth; that is demonstrated experience. There are endless variations on the theme; some are born liars; some are born defiant; some are born witty. But every child of Adam, placed in paradise and given free reign (and rein) will rebel against a single prohibition. We are rebels by nature. But don’t take my word for it. Try it for yourself; experiment with it. If you are a parent—you already know the truth. The truth is, we do what we are. The small town mentality, berated by intellectuals the world over, that casts us in our father’s shoes is not born of prejudice. It is the product of years of close observation. It is scientific method in action.

The glass is half empty. If the water is to be sweet and the glass full, that which is lacking can never come from the tepid heart of Man. God will not swallow it. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

“Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”  

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb…And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

Here’s my cup Lord.